Let's Buy A Guitar: Episode 54

Time for a pass on Reverb. It's been a couple weeks, maybe we'll see something new?
Want a t-shirt? teespring.com/stores/the-guit...
Check out my Reverb store to buy the guitars I review: reverb.grsm.io/theguitarpitshop
The signal chain was AxeFX2 (Friedman BE, AC-20, Double Verb) with the Horizon Devices Precision Drive pedal. Check out the pedal here: amzn.to/2w2lUd0
I tweet guitar deals: / theguitarpit
Come argue about gear on our chat server: / discord
See what's next on Instagram: / theguitarpit

[@nikolaslavchev1521]

Andrew Baena played that 9 string on his channel. He works CS for Fast Guitars.

[@Eventual420]

You could buy an entire wood shop for 25k. Here locally I shop wood tools from time to time, and guys are closing shop and retiring, a great place to find American made equipment that predates the Chinese phenomenon. Want speaker cabinets? You can build an infinite amount of them with a wood shop. I watch all of my YT content in my living room, and all of the tone testing, scrutiny takes place there. Just blew up the TV and Speakers! So I have all new stuff coming in next week! (yes, that was upsetting) I did, however, order a pair of mic preamps, Europa 1's. And there's a KSR Ceres pedal preamp coming too! Now considering a pair of Titan compressors, for mix bus processing, and tracking. Every time I go to Reverb, my mind goes back in time to nostalgic gear that I've always wanted to try. Classic delays, things found in most studios like Lexicon. They have everything on that site! Cool vid Chris, thank you!!

[@TheGuitarPit]

Yeah no joke! An entire shop, or hell, a mint condition holy grail vintage strat for 25k. Orrrrr, a whatever modern black machine. Hrm. Bummer about the TV and speakers, but hey, new stuff can be fun :) And agree on the nostalgia, I was just looking up my first ever effects pedal...a rocktron tsunami chorus. I don't want it, but sure enough, they had plenty for sale, even with the box.

[@Eventual420]

The Guitar Pit, another classic guitar that is still in production, is still made in California, Rickenbacker. Nothing sounds like a Rick. The design hasn't changed! Happy jamming!

[@darenwalker2517]

dude you cracked me up with that James Tyler headstock. i thought it was gonna be bad but wow you werent kidding.

[@TheGuitarPit]

Yeah, it's no joke at all. You couldn't design a worse headstock if you had to. It's impossibly bad.

[@nisoldi]

Yeah i was watching this video while i was running at the gym and when that headstock came on the screen i literally stopped running and just chuckled to myself for like 30 seconds

[@toddcarpenter4233]

you should totally get the eye of saron and put it on the back wall to lure subs!

[@TheGuitarPit]

GAZE INTO THE EYE

[@shaft9000]

Perhaps your next should be an acoustic or thinline (semi-hollow ES)? A thinline will get you to a reeeally nice mid-point between a solid and an acoustic. [Wink-wink, nudge-nudge...] A Collings is an aspirational guitar that could blow quite a few Gibby CS specimens out the door. I say go for it if it's the clear choice - why screw around with _The Odds_ except to spend time getting educated about other guitars? Keep in mind that these are anachronistic things a bit like the Les Paul but moreso; it's going to excel at some things you aren't used to playing in the jazz and western idioms. Perhaps taking The Deep End plunge right away could be overkill for you. If you're not so intent at aiming highest out the gate, there's *Heritage* and some other USA shops. And of course it's possible to find a Gibson for fair, too. The best electric guitar I've ever played was some Norlin-era 335 dot that had been through a fair bit, but the owner wouldn't consider to part with it. SO... then there's the Japanese: I have a Yamaha SA2200 mid-'00s (spec-wise closest to an ES-347) I paid about 1800 for around 2012 --- SUPER-fine build QC, no detectable seams as the finish is micro-exacting, glassy lacquer etc, much more consistent than the several 335s I ran across then, if not as immediately sweet and twangy as a couple 335s i've played. I've had to replace a 'collapsed' TOM after 15 yrs, and switched out the tuners to locking, is all. It excels at jazz - and oddly-enough, the gnarly punk riffage - but is standout in shoegaze-y droning/arpeggios and delivers an *ace* Smiths/Marr jangle in all positions. It's pickups/electronics and response-ranges take a bit of getting used to, and so is not quite so straight-ahead in appeal as the "slap a slap-echo on 'er n go!"-335 often is. But oh man, this thing through two different chorus pedals with a proper echo unit going into a big(ger) old Fender tube amp is positively _to die for_. In the bang-for-buck dept - a Chinese/US "partnership" of some sort offers *Eastman* ; they are surprisingly nice. So starting around 1300USD new gets you comparable QC to spending USD 3000 on a Gibson..it's just not a Gibson ;o) For acoustics a Gibson J-45, Martin D-18/28 or 000 are the standard "what you expect an acoustic to be" guitars. $1200 on up for VG/excellent condition gets you in the door, a fully-bound beauty goes for $2500+ up through Hummingbirds and beyond. Also some Guilds fit the bill. I don't care for any Taylor I've yet tried, unfortunately. Just too boosted-bright like a Fender without a 'tone' pot - all the way through to the 7 & 8 -series. So figure out the body type you'd prefer and then your preferred wood ...which actually DOES matter quite a lot in these guitars, haha. Be sure to grab a humidifier or two, and keep them cased. Cheers, dude!

[@TheGuitarPit]

All great suggestions! The one that really sticks out to me would be an Eastman 335-esque sort of thing. I've heard nothing but great things about them. Collings is certainly aspirational, but I don't even know if I like that shape but it'd be a terrible way to "find out." I used to have a Larrivee acoustic I really liked. That'd be a brand I could get back into. Know anything about them? I know Martin is the go-to rec on that sort of thing, but the devil you know, eh?

[@samcollectives]

I'll pile on and recommend a Heritage--especially for a 335 type. I wanted a Collings so badly and that was always the high bar and my Heritage 100% kills just as much for half the price. Gonna get killed on that resale tho so buy used in the first place haha

[@TheGuitarPit]

@@samcollectives Yeah their resale is poison, I know that much. I'll have to find a cheap one haha.

[@yhzh2002]

I ordered a kiesel back during the black friday sale, and I'm hoping it comes in the next couple weeks. I ordered a dcm6. I was really considering a headless, but I chickened out. I did really want to try a fanned fret guitar and get into some drop tunings.

[@TheGuitarPit]

Nice! Did you pick up any of the free options?

[@yhzh2002]

@@TheGuitarPit yeah I ordered most of the promo options. Royal ebony fretboard, chambering, poplar burl, 3 piece maple neck, and a thinner neck.

[@KaiDown]

I've seen a tonne of people with James Tyler guitars, but the headstock says "Variax" instead...

[@TheGuitarPit]

Ah thats right, they did do that import variax crossover thing, didn't they. Ewwww.

[@sugarlife485]

Tylers are probably the best vintage modern guitar in the world...get one try one for a bit,,,,u will be blown away

[@TheGuitarPit]

I'd like to, just always toooooo expensive. I know they have a great reputation, and honestly I can ignore the headstock if they are that good. But I can't spend $4k to find out and lose $1k making a video only to resell it. It'd have to be a steal. I keep my eye on the used listings though...

[@sugarlife485]

@@TheGuitarPit wait u own a ton of guitars my friend ! sell a few I had 20 now I own 4

[@richardpickman2826]

If only Kiesel offered a 27" scale option for the Vanquish....

[@TheGuitarPit]

Surprised they don't. Odd shape, but I bet it's really comfortable.

[@suspicionofdeceit]

I think the bridge on the 9 string is ABM out of Italy, it’s similar to the Strandberg design.

[@TheGuitarPit]

Good eye. Yeah it does look similar, I'll have to check them out. I'm sure Fast's hardware is solid, everything else they do is top quality (as far as how it looks). Wouldn't mind trying one, but I don't think a 9 string is going to do it for me lol.

[@KristianHeartmusic]

ya that's a fucked up headstock geeeeze

[@joehervey84]

More metal!🎸

[@FrumpyPumpkin]

🤟

[@sugarlife485]

i subscribed! u are kool

[@thejusticeization]

what is it with these random expensive guitars no one even knows about? what makes them so expensive, are they made out of gold or some special material or something?

[@TheGuitarPit]

Which ones? All the little boutique stuff is a fortune. Small builder, takes a lot of time, etc. Plus you lose your shirt when you resell em...

[@hellsSG]

Have you ever had a tom anderson and if so how do you like them? Got one on the way in and basically chose between TA and Suhr. Agree on the Tyler. I can respect that they're doing their own thing and not a slight variation on a fender headstock but i can't imagine how many potential sales they've lost because of that thing.

[@TheGuitarPit]

Wish I had! Never tried one, but heard they are top tier. There is a nice Raven on Reverb right now for $1800, but I just cant swing it right now. I'll try one eventually, but a replacement PRS was first on the list...

[@hellsSG]

@@TheGuitarPit yeah i can imagine you're pretty happy with those Suhrs. Good luck on the prs hunt!

[@nisoldi]

Thinking about selling one of my kiesel dc700s to get an aristides 070... thoughts?

[@TheGuitarPit]

Depends on what you're looking for. The 070 is probably 1000% flawless, but the DC700 isnt a slouch either. Something you'd like to change? Or just want a change of look and feel?

[@nisoldi]

@@TheGuitarPit A bit of both. I think i want a hard-tail 7 string, and I have tried like 5 kiesel models now. I have a dc600 i like, an osiris and a aries that i love, and the DC700 just isn't getting played often despite the fact that its amazing.

[@TheGuitarPit]

@@nisoldi I'd go for it then. It'll be something new and unique, and it sounds like you have plenty of Kiesels if you want to play one. The 070 will be a beast, but it's gonna cost you a couple bucks :)

[@robertclarkguitar]

You keep leaving "For Robert Clark" out of the title. Hehehehe

[@robertclarkguitar]

On a serious note. Hope all has been well brother. Been enjoying the show!!

[@TheGuitarPit]

Thanks Robert! I'll try to remember the title change hahah.

[@robertclarkguitar]

@@TheGuitarPit hahahahah No worries. Glad you are on it!! Lmao😀🤣🤣🤣😀😀

[@wrongfuture]

Looks at fugly Kiesel abomination designed by a kid with cerebral palsy: ... Looks at slightly weird double-cut Tele: wow that is so goofy

[@TheGuitarPit]

Lol, do not defend Echopark. They sound awesome, but even their fans aren't going to talk up their build quality and design choices.

[@BrandonBames]

That is probably the ugliest headstock I've ever seen. Same with Macmill. It's like these super expensive exclusive builders just wanna troll their buyers. "Dude, this guitar is SOOOOOOO nice I can slap on a headstock from a First Act or a Starcaster and get 5 grand!!"

[@TheGuitarPit]

Yeah it's revolting haha. Maybe they are really that good though, they've always had that reputation.

[@bradwalters8445]

The Guitar Pit I’m looking for a new guitar around the 300 range. I’ve been looking at hb and epiphones. Which is the best for my money and sounds the best?

[@TheGuitarPit]

@@bradwalters8445 Depends on what tones you want. The Harley Benton Fusions are a decent option in that range. You mentioned Epiphone, so maybe you're looking for something a little more classic? The HB single cuts and Gibson-esque stuff are alright, but maybe try a couple other options in person and see what works best. Fender Classic Vibes, ESP LTD, Schecter, etc all have decent options in that range.

[@bradwalters8445]

The Guitar Pit I’m looking to play a lot of Guns and roses my current guitar the notes don’t last as long so I can’t bend the string without having to strum again

[@BrandonBames]

brad walters the LTD EC-256 can be found new for around $300 whenever GC is having a sale, and they’re about the nicest single cuts I’ve personally played for that range.

[@troywm1016]

RESHOCKED - LOL

[@TheGuitarPit]

I mean...literally anything would be better. It is so so so bad. Then the $4k+ price just adds salt to the wound.

[@troywm1016]

@@TheGuitarPit I think would help if it was slimmer maybe same design but smaller like a tele - could help it out.

[@TheGuitarPit]

@@troywm1016 Two seconds in photoshop...you're welcome, James Tyler: photos.app.goo.gl/6EphKMAFSYw6cKpZ9

[@michaelalday8547]

Found this video a while back on Kiesel pickups differences. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZjdc6eYf6iEntE

[@TheGuitarPit]

That's a great video, thanks! Wish they just had a simple comparison graph or something on the website though. You can hear the slight differences, but some companies have a breakdown of various components and what to expect from each. It would be helpful if Kiesel posted something similar.

[@ProbyWaN1337]

damn how do you get so much money to buy all these guitars? im so jealous :/ its impossible to save with wife and kids lol

[@TheGuitarPit]

Selling guitars I own. I haven't sold one in a while, so I'm currently broke lol.

[@JackTheRabbitMusic]

wow...that was THE ugliest headstock, ever. I was also shocked!! @19:05 😳 🐰🤘

[@TheGuitarPit]

I warned you! It's impossibly ugly. We couldn't come up with worse if we were tasked with it.

[@JackTheRabbitMusic]

@@TheGuitarPit I thought you were kidding lol...man...what a waste of a nice looking instrument. And the price for that monstrous thing...holy cow!!